Color pin counting system

ABSTRACT

The Color Pin Counting System allows needle workers who stitch by hand, and are working on a large design (with 32 to 40 threads per inch) to start and maintain a method of keeping track of threads. The method utilizes 10 pins with jeweled or colored tops. Each pin represents ten linen or canvas threads. After outlining the design area with basting stitches or a marking pen or pencil, one can easily count the threads in the design to find a starting point for stitching. The Color Pin Counting System solves the dilemma of losing place. The primary advantage of the invention is to allow a needle worker to complete a large design while keeping track of the many threads.

This application claims priority to provisional application No.61/206,490 filed on Jan. 30, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

For many needle workers, large needlepoint and counted thread designshave been difficult to start, by hand. The project may be large, thechart and base linen small, i.e., perhaps 32 to 40 threads per inch. Tobegin stitching, most people need to determine where they would like tostart stitching on the base linen. Usually the purchased or originaldesign will show the center of the design, and list the number ofstitches (length and width), as well as how many threads per stitch.Sometimes each stitch goes over two fabric threads, sometimes over onefabric thread. In order to start at the center of the design (oranywhere for that matter), the stitcher/embroiderer needs to countthreads from one point to another on the blank linen or blankneedlepoint canvas. Counting tiny threads is difficult to see andkeeping a place almost impossible without a pointed object. Thistechnique requires intensive concentration and no interruptions. TheColor Pin Counting System solves this problem. By using the Color PinCounting System, the stitcher/embroiderer can put down the fabric, andpick it back up and not lose count of the threads.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

When a needlework stitcher (or embroiderer) begins to work on a newdesign, it is necessary to count linen or base fabric threads to find aselected starting place. In a larger design it is difficult to knowwhere to begin. Tired eyes also make it difficult to keep a place whencounting tiny threads. After outlining the design area with bastingstitches or a marking pen or pencil, the stitcher/embroiderer can easilycount the threads in the following manner.

METHOD

The Color Counting Pin set (sold under the name “Stitcher's Dozen”)contains thirteen pins with either jeweled or colored tops. The firstten pins represent ten linen or canvas threads each (see numbers below).These ten pins will allow the stitcher/embroiderer to count up to 100threads, with each one representing ten linen or canvas threads. TheStitcher's Dozen set contains thirteen pins. The first ten are differentcolors, and the last three are Amethyst/purple (representing 100 threadseach). This set of 13 will allow the stitcher/embroiderer to count up to490 threads with the following method.

-   Crystal/White—10-   Aquamarine/Sky Blue—20-   Topaz/Yellow—30-   Olivine/Jade Green—40-   Jet/Black—50-   Hyacinth/Orange—60-   Ruby/Red—70-   Peridot/Light Green—80-   Sapphire/Royal Blue—90-   Amethyst/Purple (4)—100

To find the selected starting spot on a design, that is 110 threads fromthe left hand side of the chart, begin on the left at theoutline/basting thread, and count 10 threads, and insert a Crystal/whitepin. Next, count 10 more threads, and insert an Aquamarine/sky blue pin.Continue in this fashion up through the Amethyst/purple pin. One hundredthreads have now been counted. Remove all pins except for theAmethyst/purple pin (100 thread pin marker). Begin from theAmethyst/purple pin and count out 10 threads, and insert theCrystal/white pin. The stitcher/embroiderer now has counted out 110threads (Amethyst/purple pin—100 plus Crystal/white pin—10). Thestitcher/embroiderer would continue in this fashion to the desiredstarting point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

FIG. 1A

Each line on graph represents one fabric thread. The Crystal-topped pinrepresents 10 fabric threads that have been counted. TheAquamarine-topped pin represents 20 fabric threads counted, and so on upto the Amethyst-topped pin which represents 100 fabric threads. To countabove 100 threads, remove the first nine pins, leaving the Amethyst pinin place. This pin represents the 100 threads that have already beencounted. Continue on after the Amethyst pin using the first nine pins.Count out 10 threads, and insert a Crystal-topped pin. Continue in thisfashion to the desired number of threads. If there are more than 200threads, count out to the 200 thread, insert an Amethyst pin. Remove theprevious nine pins, and begin counting after the second Amethyst pin tothe exact number of fabric threads that is required.

This method keeps track of counting threads when interrupted, and muststop the counting process on the needlework. The color pins will alwayskeep the exact location on the linen or canvas fabric. The pin set willbe available in colored pin tops or in colored jeweled pin tops. Eachset will allow the stitcher/embroiderer to count up to 490 threads. Ifmore than 490 threads are required, extra Amethyst/purple—100 pins canbe utilized. So that makes the counting system endless.

1. The Color Pin Counting System allows needle workers who are workingon a large design (32 to 40 threads per inch) to start and maintain amethod of keeping track of threads. The method utilizes thirteen pinswith jeweled or colored tops. Each pin represents ten linen or canvasthreads.
 2. The purpose of the invention is to allow a needle worker orembroiderer who is stitching a large design on linen or canvas to findand keep track of the many threads in the design
 3. The ten pin countingsystem allows easy recognition of position on linen or canvas fabric. 4.The system can be used by counted thread stitchers (on linen) as well asneedlepoint stitchers (on needlepoint canvas).
 5. The method allows theworker to determine a starting point for stitching a design on linen orcanvas material.
 6. The system provides a method to keep track ofcounted threads after determining a starting point on linen or canvasmaterial.
 7. The system will allow the stitcher/embroider to count up to490 threads.
 8. If necessary, more than 490 threads may be utilized byusing extra Amethyst/purple—100 thread pins.